Large forces are searching the region for the perpetrator. A preliminary probe found that the soldiers were standing near a military vehicle when it was hit from behind by the taxi – an apparent hit-and-run accident, the police said. However, the possibility that the troops were hit intentionally has not been ruled out.

Cab fled the scene (Photo: Shai District Police)

"We were on our way to get sukkot for our base," one of the soldiers who was hurt told Ynet. "Our vehicle broke down suddenly, so we stopped on the side of the road and got out. When we waited for backup a large Palestinian cab appeared and hit the car."

The soldier said he was under the impression that "it was done intentionally."

Last month, a security guard from the Sha'arei Tikva settlement, Lior Farhi, was hit
by a car and killed while attempting to document illegal transport of Palestinian workers into Israel. Arqan Badir, 25, has been charged with his murder.